thumb|right|250px|Map of the United States with Mississippi highlighted
Mississippi is a state in the Southern United States. According to the 2020 United States Census, Mississippi is the 32nd-most populous state, with inhabitants and the 31st largest by land area, spanning of land. Mississippi is divided into 82 counties and contains 300 municipalities, consisting of cities, towns, and villages. Places may be incorporated to become a city, town, or village through a petition signed by two-thirds of the qualified voters who reside in the proposed municipality.